Job Opportunities in Australia

• EL 1 - $120,290 - $129,379 per annum plus superannuation
• AGVET Chemicals, Fisheries, Forestry & Engagement Division
• Canberra, ACT

• Contribute to developing domestic and international fisheries policy that will encourage a sustainable and productive wild capture fishery and aquaculture industry.
• Work with a motivated, expert team within the department and across the Australian Government.
• Canberra-based, but flexible work options will be considered.

Who we are
The Fisheries Branch provides policy advice to portfolio ministers and the executive on commercial, recreational and Indigenous fishing and aquaculture, including the intersection of Australian fishing interests with domestic and international marine environment obligations. The branch also has responsibility for the setting of regulatory policies for fishing in Commonwealth waters which are operationalised by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA). The branch has responsibility for Australia's whole-of-government policy on regional and international fisheries management organisations which safeguard Australian fishing interests on the High Seas and in respect of migratory stocks, and for illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

The Multilateral, Pacific and Research Section and Regional Fisheries Section are jointly responsible for Australia’s engagement in key regional fisheries management organisations managing highly migratory and high seas fish stocks, including the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) and the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA). This includes developing strategic policy positions to protect and advance Australia’s fisheries and broader interests and prosecuting these positions in relevant international fora, and ensuring Australia meets its international obligations. The Commercial Fisheries Policy and Indigenous Engagement Section leads the development and review of key Commonwealth and national fisheries policies. It works across the branch, department, government and with stakeholders to support the sustainable management of Australia’s fish stocks and assist the industry to grow. The team is forward looking and collaborative in the way it goes about its work. The Governance and Trade Section is responsible for developing and implementing Australian Government policy initiatives to combat illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing including administering an IUU capacity building program, participating in relevant regional and international fora. The section advises on fisheries trade issues and is responsible for fisheries governance including relevant legislation and regulations. The Aquaculture Policy Section leads Australian Government to support the sustainable growth of the Australian aquaculture sector, including working with States and Territories on the National Aquaculture Strategy, advising on new and emerging aquaculture issues, supporting a trial of aquaculture in Commonwealth waters and administering programs to support a growing aquaculture industry.

The Job
You will support the Director in leadership of the section and assist the section to deliver on its core functions. Your role may include:

• Developing, analysing and implementing options to address complex policy challenges.
• Liaison and negotiating with other Australian Government agencies, state/territory governments, industry, First Nations representatives, foreign officials and international agencies, and researchers.
• Participating in/leading departmental/Australian delegations to domestic and international meetings.
• Understanding and engaging with regulatory frameworks and bringing a policy perspective to technical or scientific issues.
• Evidence-based decision making requiring the synthesis of complex information from a range of sources.
• Investigating, analysing and providing high quality advice, briefing and other papers for your Director, Executive and Minister.
• Preparing high quality briefings, correspondence and submissions.
• Ensuring Australia meets its obligations with regard to reporting to international organisations, including coordinating input across relevant government agencies.
• Grant/program management.
• Resource management including staff.

Please note that the merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing vacancies in the branch where the duties are of a similar nature.

What are we looking for
Knowledge and experience
The ideal candidate will have:

• Advanced policy skills including demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgement and think strategically and creatively to solve complex policy challenges.
• An ability to build relationships and collaborate across government, with states, territories and foreign officials, and with stakeholders.
• An ability to use networks to gather information and present in a coherent and consistent manner.
• Outstanding writing skills, including an ability to distil complex scientific information into plain language, and tailor briefing material to support engagement in complex and fast-moving situations including negotiations.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Representational and negotiation experience in domestic/international.
• Ability to travel (domestically/internationally dependent on the job).
• Experience supervising/managing/developing staff.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively within a small team, practice inclusive leadership and foster a positive culture.
• Experience in grant/program management (dependent on the job).
• (Desirable but not essential) A background or experience in fisheries or natural resources.

Suitable candidates will be highly motivated individuals with superior policy development, communication and organisational skills. They will need to demonstrate a high level of flexibility, initiative, sound judgment and the ability to meet deadlines. Strong skills in research, analysis and provision of high-quality advice and strong negotiation skills would be highly desirable. Knowledge of fisheries management is not a pre-requisite but is desirable.